With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we share the passing of our beloved friend, mentor, and co-founder, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis. As Co-Chair of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network, Ruth shaped not only the future of women leaders but forever transformed those of us blessed to walk beside her.

Born into a segregated world, Ruth defied the odds with unyielding strength and dignity. She rose to become the first African American woman to serve as Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service and the U.S. Foreign Service Institute. Ruth was a distinguished Career Ambassador and also the first female Senior Watch Officer in the State Department.

Over her illustrious 40-year career as a diplomat and foreign service professional, Ruth touched countless lives across the globe, not just through her brilliant diplomacy but through her unstoppable advocacy for women.

Today, we honor Ruth not only for her extraordinary accomplishments but for the love and light she brought into our world. Her legacy is not just in the history books—it lives in the lives she uplifted, the doors she opened, and the courage she inspired.

I am deeply, personally grateful to have known Ruth. She had the unique ability to make each person feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness. I often call this “The Ruth Effect”—a ripple of transformation she created just by being herself. She taught us that even the smallest gestures can create a meaningful impact.

We will honor Ruth’s legacy by continuing to support women entrepreneurs and leaders, nurturing the seeds of empowerment she so passionately planted.

Thank you, Ruth. For your light. For your leadership. For your love.
You are deeply missed. You are eternally remembered.
We will carry you with us, always.

For press inquiries, you may reach out to Ambassador Tatiana Gfoeller-Volkoff (Ret.), the Ambassador-at-Large of ACE Health Foundation, and Katy Puckett and Holly Olds, the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network partners, at Info@acehealthfoundation.org.

Pooja Chandra Pama
Founder and President
ACE Health Foundation